From Dombasle to Rosignano: Solvay and IUCN expand science-based biodiversity action across industrial operations.
Solvay and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) are expanding their collaboration on biodiversity with the launch of a new IUCN RHINO (Rapid, High- Integrity Nature-positive Outcomes) program at Solvay's Rosignano site in Italy.
As the first chemical company to pilot and implement the IUCN RHINO framework, Solvay is working with IUCN to better understand the interactions between its operations and nature, prioritize actions where they can have the greatest impact, and contribute to global biodiversity goals through science-based, measurable approaches.
The new program builds on the work carried out at Solvay's Dombasle site in France. Over the past year, Solvay and IUCN completed a comprehensive biodiversity assessment and, using the RHINO methodology, identified priority species and habitats to help the Dombasle team and develop a science-based roadmap through 2030. The roadmap includes biodiversity monitoring, habitat restoration, ecological corridor development, invasive species management, and measures to further reduce impacts on local ecosystems.
Building on these lessons, Solvay and IUCN carried out an initial review in Rosignano across five interconnected operational areas: the industrial site, Santa Luce Lake, the Cecina River basin, the Ponteginori solution mining area, and the San Carlo quarry, which supplies natural limestone for soda ash production. The review has already identified opportunities to strengthen biodiversity outcomes across the landscape.
Over the next 18 months, detailed ecological assessments will be caried out to establish biodiversity baselines and identify priority conservation actions, with IUCN providing scientific advice and review. By the end of 2027, Solvay aims to establish science-based biodiversity objectives, monitoring indicators, and a long-term action plan to guide implementation through 2030 and beyond.
A particular focus will be placed on Santa Luce Lake, a former industrial reservoir that has evolved into a Natura 2000 protected area and State Nature Reserve. Today, the site hosts around 200 bird species and illustrates how long-term stewardship and collaboration can create opportunities for biodiversity conservation alongside industrial activity. Building on decades of work with conservation partner LIPU and other local stakeholders, the roadmap will seek to strengthen habitat management, ecological connectivity, and ecosystem resilience.
As an industrial company, we know our operations interact with nature. Our responsibility is to understand our dependencies, reduce the pressures we exert, and increase our positive impact. That's why our collaboration with IUCN matters. In Dombasle, we developed a science-based roadmap for biodiversity action. In Rosignano, we're building on those lessons in one of our most diverse and complex landscapes. This is about moving from commitment to implementation, and demonstrating that industry can be part of the solution."
"The biodiversity crisis requires action at scale. Through the IUCN RHINO approach, we are helping companies identify where they can have the greatest positive impact for species and ecosystems. The work in Dombasle and now starting in Rosignano shows that species extinction risk metrics can guide decision making. The ambition now must be to turn assessments into targets for reducing threats to species and those targets into meaningful outcomes"
The Rosignano program contributes to Solvay's commitment to dedicate 30% of its permeable land located near biodiversity-sensitive areas to conservation and restoration with measurable positive impacts by 2030, while supporting the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
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Solvay, a pioneering chemical company with a legacy rooted in founder Ernest Solvay's pivotal innovations in the soda ash process, is dedicated to delivering essential solutions globally through its workforce of over 8,400 employees. Since 1863, Solvay harnesses the power of chemistry to create innovative, sustainable solutions that answer the world’s most essential needs such as purifying the air we breathe and the water we drink, preserving our food supplies, protecting our health and well-being, creating eco-friendly clothing, making the tires of our cars more sustainable and cleaning and protecting our homes. Solvay’s unwavering commitment drives the transition to a carbon-neutral future by 2050, underscoring its dedication to sustainability and a fair and just transition. As a world-leading company with €4.3 billion in net sales in 2025, Solvay is listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris (SOLB). For more information about Solvay, please visit solvay.com or follow Solvay on LinkedIn.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network. IUCN harnesses the experience, resources, and reach of its 1,400 Member organizations and the input of around 17,000 experts. IUCN provides public, private and non-governmental organizations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together. Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.
The IUCN RHINO (Rapid, High-Integrity Nature-positive Outcomes) approach provides a science-based framework to help organizations assess biodiversity impacts, identify priority actions, and measure progress over time. The methodology incorporates the STAR (Species Threat Abatement and Restoration) metric, enabling actions to be prioritized based on their potential contribution to reducing species extinction risk and supporting ecosystem health.